Wed Oct 22 10:57:07 UTC 2025: News Article:
Supreme Court Seeks Government Input on Plea to Ban Online Gambling
New Delhi, October 22, 2025: The Supreme Court of India has requested the central government’s assistance in addressing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms that operate under the guise of social and e-sports games.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan directed the petitioner, the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC) think tank, to provide a copy of the PIL to the central government’s counsel. The court has scheduled the next hearing in two weeks, requesting V.C. Bharathi to examine the petition and provide assistance.
The CASC alleges that these platforms are causing widespread social and economic harm across the country, leading to financial ruin, mental health issues, and even suicides. The PIL also seeks to direct the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and UPI platforms to block any monetary transactions involving unregistered gaming applications. Furthermore, it calls for tax recovery and investigation through Interpol, CBI, and ED against offshore gaming companies allegedly owing over ₹2 lakh crore in unpaid taxes.
The plea urges the Union ministries of Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting, Finance, and Youth Affairs and Sports to harmoniously interpret the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, and state laws to prohibit online gambling and betting games masquerading as social and e-sports.
The PIL names six respondents, including four Union ministries and app store operators Apple Inc. and Google India Pvt. Ltd. The petitioners claim that over 65 crore people are involved in such games, generating an annual business of over ₹1.8 lakh crore for these platforms in India.
The PIL also alleges that top cricketers and film stars endorse these unlawful games, leading to cyber frauds, addiction, mental health disorders, and suicides. The fraud and cheating algorithms are such that it’s impossible to tell who is playing, the PIL said, alleging that money laundering activities may be taking place in the garb of online gaming.
The court’s intervention comes amid growing concerns about the impact of online gambling on Indian society, particularly among vulnerable populations. The newly passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, underscores the government’s recognition of the need to regulate the industry and protect citizens from harmful practices.
Summary:
The Supreme Court is considering a PIL seeking a nationwide ban on online gambling and betting platforms disguised as social/esports games. The court has sought the central government’s assistance. The PIL, filed by CASC, alleges these platforms cause significant social and economic harm, and seeks action against unregistered platforms, tax evasion, and endorsements by celebrities. The PIL also stresses the need for harmonious interpretation of existing laws.
First Piper 